Singer Sonu Nigam has issued an apology to the people of Karnataka over his controversial remarks linking a demand for Kannada songs to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Following his apology, the pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) announced that it would withdraw its planned protest against the singer.
The controversy resurfaced ahead of Nigam’s scheduled concert in Bengaluru on October 24, 2026. KRV state president TA Narayana Gowda had urged the police to deny permission for the event, alleging that the singer’s earlier comments had hurt Kannada-speaking people.
After speaking with Gowda, Nigam shared a video expressing regret for any unintended hurt caused by his remarks. He said he was willing to apologise repeatedly to preserve his long-standing relationship with the people of Karnataka.
Addressing them as his family, the singer said he did not want a misunderstanding to damage the affection and respect he had received in the state over the past three decades.
Nigam also expressed respect for Gowda and described their conversation as warm and respectful. He said his intention was not to cause hurt and conveyed his affection and good wishes to the people of Karnataka.
KRV Withdraws Protest Following Apology
Sharing the apology video on X on October 19, Gowda said Nigam had understood the impact of his earlier remarks and had offered an unconditional apology.
Gowda clarified that the organisation had no personal animosity towards the singer and that its protest was a response to the controversial statement. Following the apology, KRV decided to call off the planned demonstration.
The KRV chief also highlighted the contributions of several non-Kannada singers, including Ghantasala, PB Srinivas, KJ Yesudas, S Janaki, Vani Jairam and KS Chithra, who have been widely appreciated for their contributions to Kannada music.
He expressed hope that Nigam would continue singing Kannada songs and performing in Karnataka.
How the Controversy Began
The dispute originated in April 2025 during a musical event at East Point Engineering College in Bengaluru. When an audience member demanded a Kannada song, Nigam paused his performance to address the demand.
The singer later said that the manner in which the demand was made had left him feeling threatened. During his response, he referred to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, triggering criticism from Kannadigas and pro-Kannada organisations.
Critics accused him of drawing an inappropriate comparison that hurt linguistic sentiments. The KRV subsequently filed a complaint at Avalahalli police station in Bengaluru, following which an FIR was registered against the singer.
Nigam later released a video explaining that his remarks were directed at the behaviour of a few individuals in the audience and not at Kannada-speaking people as a whole. He also apologised in an Instagram post, stating that his love for Karnataka was greater than his ego.
Bengaluru Concert Controversy Resurfaces
The issue returned to the spotlight ahead of Nigam’s scheduled concert at Bharatiya Mall in Bengaluru on October 24, 2026.
Gowda had written to the Bengaluru police commissioner, requesting that permission for the concert be denied over the singer’s earlier remarks.
However, following Nigam’s latest apology and their conversation, KRV announced that it would withdraw its protest.
The development marks a fresh turn in the controversy, with the singer seeking to repair his relationship with Kannada-speaking audiences and the organisation agreeing to move forward following his expression of regret.